The galaxy far, far away is preparing to bid farewell to a long-standing pillar of its fandom. Titan Magazines has officially announced the upcoming release of the final issue of Star Wars Insider, marking the end of a publication that has served as the definitive chronicle of the Lucasfilm franchise for decades.
Since its inception (initially as the Lucasfilm Fan Club Magazine), Star Wars Insider has been the primary source for behind-the-scenes access, exclusive interviews, and official lore. However, the magazine is not going out quietly; the final issue promises to be a historic collector’s item packed with industry-shaking revelations. There have already been three solicited covers, with a fourth yet to be revealed.
A Landmark Farewell: Kathleen Kennedy Steps Down
The headline feature of the final issue of Star Wars Insider is an exclusive, wide-ranging interview with Kathleen Kennedy. The interview is billed as a retrospective with the “departing Lucasfilm President.”
Kennedy, who took the helm of Lucasfilm in 2012 following the Disney acquisition, has overseen the sequel trilogy, the standalone films, and the massive expansion of Star Wars into live-action streaming on Disney+. This final interview promises to provide an unprecedented look at her tenure, the challenges of modern myth-making, and her thoughts on the future of the franchise as she prepares to exit her role.
Looking Toward the Future: The Mandalorian and Grogu
While the magazine is ending, the stories are not. The final issue provides an exclusive preview of The Mandalorian and Grogu, the upcoming feature film directed by Jon Favreau. As the first Star Wars film to hit theaters since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, expectations are sky-high. Readers can expect new details on the production, concept art, and hints at where the journey of Din Djarin and his apprentice will lead next on the big screen.
Masterclass Interviews and Behind-the-Scenes Secrets
True to its legacy, the final issue of Star Wars Insider continues to highlight the craftspeople who bring the galaxy to life. This issue features:
- Neal Scanlan: The creature shop legend discusses his work on Ahsoka Season Two, offering a glimpse at the new practical effects and alien entities being developed for the next chapter of the Thrawn saga.
- John Gilroy: The acclaimed editor of Andor breaks down the meticulous process of crafting the tension and pacing for the series’ upcoming second and final season.
- The SFX of Star Wars: A deep-dive retrospective into how Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) has evolved from physical models to the Volume technology used today.
Exclusive Fiction and Collector Specs
For many fans, the highlight of Star Wars Insider has been the inclusion of official short stories that are “canon” to the timeline. The final issue will include a piece of exclusive Star Wars short fiction, serving as a final literary gift to the subscribers who have supported the magazine for years.
Product Details:
- Retail Price: $19.99
- Page Count: 100 Pages
- FOC (Final Order Cutoff) Date: March 30, 2026
- In-Store Date: May 6, 2026
- Product Code: 0326TN1061
- UPC: 79361173589737
Final Thoughts
The final issue of Star Wars Insider represents more than just the end of a magazine; it represents the end of a specific type of fandom community. For over thirty years, getting the Insider in the mail was the primary way fans felt connected to the heart of Lucasfilm. As the publication prepares for its May 6, 2026, release, appropriately timed near the “May the 4th” celebrations, collectors are encouraged to pre-order their copies early. This 100-page commemorative issue will be worth it!
